Military Ordinariate – 1986
The Military Ordinariate was established in 1986, then commonly known as the Catholic Diocese of the Australian Defence Force and now referred to as the Catholic Diocese of the Australian Military Services. There have been two Bishops since this time: Bishop Geoffrey Mayne and Bishop Max Davis.
2000s to date
On 18 July 2003, in accordance with the requirements of Canon Law in regard to age-retirement and ill health, the Holy Father accepted the resignation of Bishop Mayne and appointed Bishop Max Davis to succeed him as Military Ordinary of Australia.
Bishop Davis was consecrated Bishop in St. Christopher’s Cathedral, Canberra on 22 August 2003 and took possession of the See on the same date. Bishop Davis retired in 2021. From then on present Archbishop Christopher Prowse is Episcopal Administrator until a new Military Bishop is appointed.
Over a period of 100-plus years, the church has sought to support members of the Australian Defence Force and their families, spiritually and pastorally. The mission remains constant today. Over 1000 Catholic Chaplains, either full time or part time, have served in Defence since 1885.
There are billets for 30 full-time Chaplains, and over 80 Chaplains are involved at present in various aspects of the work of the Catholic Military Ordinariate of Australia.